Lithuania’s gambling sector exhibited significant growth, driven largely by an increase in remote gambling activities. The Lithuanian Gambling Supervision Authority (LPT) reported on Thursday that gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the period reached €153.6 million, a 16.8% rise from the previous year. The remote gambling segment contributed prominently, accounting for approximately 78% of this total, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences towards online platforms.
The data indicates that remote gambling operators generated a combined GGR of approximately €119.9 million in the first half of 2026, reflecting a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This surge contrasts with the performance of traditional brick-and-mortar gambling venues, which saw a 5% decline in GGR, totaling €33.7 million. The lottery sector also experienced growth, with ticket sales increasing by 8.6% to €87.73 million and prizes paid out climbing 10.5% to €49.29 million. This resulted in a lottery GGR of €38.44 million, up 6.2% from the previous year.
From a fiscal perspective, the Lithuanian gambling industry contributed significantly to the state budget. Tax revenue from the sector rose by 11.4% to €46.43 million, with casinos and other gambling organizers responsible for €30.67 million, while lottery operators contributed €15.76 million. As of mid-2026, twelve closed joint-stock companies were licensed to conduct gambling operations within Lithuania.
Breaking down the remote gambling segment further, remote Category A slot machines were the primary revenue drivers, generating €85.7 million in GGR, marking a 33% increase from the previous year. Remote table games also saw notable growth, with GGR up 34% to €12.3 million. However, remote Category B slot machines experienced a significant downturn, with revenue declining by 63% to €424,800. In contrast, the physical table-games sector remained relatively stable, producing €7.7 million in GGR.
Despite the positive growth in certain sectors, the overall number of gambling devices and venues in Lithuania experienced a slight reduction compared to the first half of 2025. This contraction comes amidst regulatory discussions aimed at enhancing oversight and consumer protection within the industry.
Lithuania’s regulatory landscape is poised for further change. The Ministry of Finance has proposed the introduction of mandatory “player cards,” designed to record all gambling activities of individuals across both online and offline platforms. Scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2029, this initiative aims to enforce stricter controls over gambling habits and provide the government with a comprehensive tool to track deposits and winnings across various operators. The proposal reflects a broader trend towards bolstering regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible gambling and curb potential abuses in the sector.
Looking ahead, the Lithuanian gambling market is likely to continue evolving as regulatory measures are implemented and consumer preferences shift further towards digital platforms. The introduction of player cards could reshape the operational landscape, requiring operators to adapt to new compliance demands while maintaining attractive offerings for their customer base. The market’s response to these changes, along with ongoing adjustments in consumer behavior, will play a pivotal role in determining the future trajectory of Lithuania’s gambling industry.
4/5
